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Historic District. Central District. City of Melbury. State of Melbury. Central Republic.
01:50 PM.
—We have arrived at the Historic District…–
Once we reached downtown Melbury, Agent Montessori guided me through various streets until we reached the Historic District of this city's Central District, a place where one could typically find antique shops, old buildings, or other things tied to the history of both the country and the State of Melbury itself.
While I let Arisa know we have arrived, I cannot help but mock myself inwardly. Not her, nor her directions, of course, but myself. After all, it is ironic that I, Salieri Montenegro Neiruk, a woman who was born and raised in this very city, would not know how to find her way around here. I lived in this place for 18 years before moving to the capital, Centralia, to begin my career as a Detective. Although it has not been that long since I relocated (barely almost 7 years), the simple fact that I do not know this kind of thing about my original place of residence does give me pause, truth be told, and even makes me feel ashamed.
—Detective Montenegro, the antique shop belonging to my colleague and Antiquarian, the one I am taking you to so she can examine that strange sword we brought along, is located on Mapple Village Street, corner of Unification. –Arisa points to the left, toward an entrance where there was a large stone archway with relief– Enter through there, where that Baroque-style arch is, and you will enter the Historic District–
—Understood… –I say, veering to the left, my scarlet eyes locked on the indicated spot. Fortunately I have Arisa accompanying me, this foolish Detective who did not know where to find antiquarians, heh, heh–
Thus, after following her directions, we arrive at a place full of old buildings, in a style mixed between Baroque and medieval, at least about five stories high, as well as cobblestone streets with geometric patterns that looked as if they had been drawn by hand. The facades are of pale stone, weathered by time yet still imposing, with balconies forged in black iron, arched windows, and ornamental details that speak of an era when beauty was built to last for centuries, not simply to look pretty or to function as something temporary.
This was definitely a neighborhood that seemed to have stopped in time, detached from the frantic pace of the modern city clearly visible in the background.
—It's right there, Detective –Agent Montessori informs me, pointing straight ahead– The one that says "Nocturna Antigua." That is my friend's antique shop–
I keep my gaze fixed through the windshield, letting my black utility truck advance slowly over the uneven pavement. The rumble of the engine resonates while my eyes settle on the structure Arisa has just indicated. It is a building that breaks the pattern of everything around it, an amalgam of the ancestral and the avant-garde.
As we stop in front of the facade, I cannot help being struck by the contrast. The centerpiece is a carved stone portal, of an exquisite and ornate Baroque, crowned by a coat of arms and sculpted angels that seem to watch over the entrance. However, this relic of the past is embedded in a modern structure of transparent glass and polished metal frames that rises two additional levels. It is as if a glass box had descended from the sky to protect a precious ruin.
Beneath the golden sign of "Nocturna Antigua," the main door opens toward a dark and elegant interior that is barely glimpsed behind the sun's reflection on the large display windows. Through the glass, I make out shelves packed with unknown objects that gleam faintly. The same happens with the second floor. The large windows allow a little of this place's antique contents to be seen. Finally, the third floor has a minimalist terrace protected by transparent glass railings, where more classical sculptures flank the upper entrance, creating a strange symmetry with the rest of the street. Behind it, a small construction with adobe roofs can be seen, from which one could easily admire the view from this great height.
—Nice place –I cannot help admiring the place, which, I admit, is quite incredible.–
Just by looking at the facade and the privileged location, I can deduce that whoever the owner of this place might be is not someone ordinary. Even someone like me, the Heiress of one of this country's 7 Founding Families, second wealthiest in the entire Central Republic, would have difficulties related to government permits if I tried to build a building like this in a downtown area, and above all, a historic one.
If I recall correctly, Melbury is supposedly where Lan I, the first Emperor of the Central Republic, appeared and began unifying a region full of conflicts 2,025 years ago.
That is why this kind of permit to achieve a construction in a place like this would not be granted to us even in our wildest dreams, no matter how much power, wealth, and influence we have. After all, the Central Republic has one of the harshest governments in existence. The current Emperor Lan usually keeps a hard hand when granting permits in special places.
—A gift from her powerful friends –Agent Arisa Montessori Romanov replies, her tone one of pride, not of the maternal kind, but of someone much closer than that, far more intimate and personal– The Government gave that cat this plot of land and this building for helping them in their archaeological investigations. So, if you hear her complaining that she has a lot of expenses regarding this building, pay her no mind, because she does not even pay taxes, it being special land granted by the ones above –she adds, while unbuckling her seatbelt– As I told you before, she tends to like making drama. Just ignore her and you will see how she becomes docile… or she starts crying because nobody is paying attention to her, heh, heh–
After parking, in the parking lot ironically right in front of this building, we both step out of my truck.
—Do I bring the sword already? –I ask, before heading toward the rear–
Our purpose here is to investigate the greatsword found this morning, at the crime scene where my Father died, as well as its owner: Lumen, who according to Sariel was a demon that was eliminated by sunlight.
I already know it does not make sense to investigate someone who is practically dead (if Demons even die), but even so, first, I consider it necessary to tie up every loose end possible, and second, that man urged me to do it so that I would believe this incredible story (spoiler: little by little that fool is succeeding).
Supposedly Sariel, that man of billions of years whose powers are locked at 99.9%, did not remember the history of this weapon because his memory was failing due to the radiation from receiving a rain of atomic bombs 67,025 years ago from Irisviel, an Artificial Intelligence that wiped out Old Humanity with them, which is why he asked Agent Montessori to bring me to an expert in ancient relics so this investigation could be carried out. And yes, that is the reason Arisa and I are here now…
Yes, it is incredible that I even thought that. Atomic bombs? Irisviel an AI? Humans of this planet, Astel, who managed to conquer the stars? Humanity being condemned by Irisviel because of human behavior? Her dropping those bombs to restart humanity from scratch? Lyra, Sariel's ex, fleeing this world with her new girlfriend before everything collapsed? Sariel himself taking those bombs head-on just because he wanted to know what pain felt like? Many questions I ask myself, and many answers I probably will not have, unless I ask them of the source.
However, the most incredible thing is that, after seeing so many strange things at the crime scene where my Father was murdered, and added to the words Arisa has told me since we left the Morian District Station, they have made me less insensitive to the supernatural subject, both present and historical. Could it be that I, a methodical and scientific Detective, who only believes in what her eyes see and what science proves, am slowly changing? Heh, heh.
—No –Agent Montessori, after hearing me, shakes her head– First we are going to introduce you to her. Then we will tell her what we came for, and only after that will we show her the weapon. So, for the time being, leave it there in the trunk of your utility truck. Even if it weighs 10 tons, the Lightener, the bionic gloves we use to reduce the weight of this weapon, is still active and absorbing the weight, so we will have at least about 6 hours before its battery runs out. –she adds. Yes, the Lightener, that device that allows a weakling to carry several tons, is another of the reasons why my intellectual disdain toward the supernatural is decreasing–
—Understood–
After locking my truck with my key, we both walk from the parking lot across the street, toward the Nocturna Antigua building, the antique shop of Agent Montessori's contact. It is time to meet the person Arisa speaks of with so much affection.
—Aren't we going to let her know we are here? –I ask, a few meters from the entrance door–
—No. If we do, we will ruin the fun –Arisa shakes her head while placing her hand on the door handle– Besides, if I surprise her and she gets happy about this gift I am bringing her, I will surely get a good reward, heh, heh~ –she adds, while I can see her blushing slightly–
—Hmm?–
Ding. Once the handle is pressed, a small bell is heard ringing above us. One that had been placed to announce the entrance and exit of customers.
—Welcome to Nocturna Antigua! –a feminine voice exclaims with excitement from inside, softer and a little higher than Arisa's tone of voice, but with a pleasant tone, like that of a pop singer– I will finally be able to eat fish this month! –that voice adds, with an increase in her excitement–
I glance sideways at Agent Montessori. She only rolls her eyes and keeps walking inside. In her eyes, an affection impossible to hide is drawn.
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Footsteps echo inside the Nocturna Antigua antique shop. The clicking of Detective Salieri Montenegro Neiruk's 3-centimeter block heels and Agent Arisa Montessori Romanov's boots sound in unison through the silent store.
The two advance between symmetrical rows of furniture with armored-glass display cases, flanked by dark wooden shelves that rise until they almost touch the vaulted ceiling, illuminated by a geometric skylight that filters natural light over the exhibited treasures.
Salieri looks around, fascinated and bewildered. She observes unpolished precious gems, black crystals with golden veins that, if anyone looked at them more closely, would seem to throw a small pulse of light, alongside silver necklaces with inlays of carved bone, whose plaque mentions they belonged to the Vaelis Culture of the Khar'thun Desert, dated around 12,800 years ago. Further on, ancient weapons rest on pedestals: curved swords with ivory hilts engraved with forgotten runes, originating from the Zephyra Shadow Empire 9,400 years ago, composite bows of black wood and sinew of an extinct beast, signed by craftsmen of the Northern Feng Dynasty 14,500 years ago, round shields with solar symbols engraved in bronze, originating from the Confederation of the Nine Suns 7,200 years ago, among others whose origins today are only shadows of what they once were in the past. And this was barely little of what they had seen.
Yes, this place did not seem like a simple antique shop. It seemed more like a small museum full of incredible items that someone would never have seen were it not for the one who runs the place. However, unlike a museum, everything here could be bought if the specific offer was made and the seller accepted.
—How did she get all of this –Salieri wonders in a murmur, while observing the items protected by thick-glass display cases–
—From archaeological excavations or occasionally rescued from the black market –Arisa Montessori replies, at her side, observing Salieri's activated curiosity– The owner of this antique shop has exclusive permits to explore every archaeological site that has been discovered or that she herself might find in this country, and even in others as well. As long as they are registered by our country's Government, she can explore them, and if she finds something interesting, she can take it out to sell. After filling out the necessary paperwork, of course. In the case of the black market, she occasionally cooperates with both national and international authorities to hunt down relic traffickers, and as payment for this help, they let her take some of what is seized–
—Wow…–
After hearing all of this, for Salieri, even though she had still not met her in person, her admiration for this person had increased a great deal. Though it also made funnier the fact that this antiquarian did not have enough to eat fish.
—I wonder how it is that I knew nothing about this person before –Salieri tells herself in her mind. She even allows herself to sigh inwardly for missing out on something like this because of her busy life–
Then, after a few more moments of walking down this long central corridor, where silence was the norm, Salieri's scarlet eyes finally catch the likely only person, aside from Arisa and herself, in this antique shop.
The woman, standing, is in front of the main counter, under a carved stone arch that seems to have been taken from a forgotten cathedral, leaning against that same desk.
Her figure is impeccable: she wears a structured black suit, with a fitted jacket that marks her waist like a modern corset, paired with snug trousers and low-heeled boots that make no sound when she moves. The blouse beneath is high-necked, with vertical pleats and black lace details at the wrists and neckline, as if she had borrowed something from Victorian fashion to fuse it with contemporary elegance. On her hands, which rest on the polished wood of the counter, she wears two slender bracelets of braided silver, and at her neck, hanging from a golden chain, a gold pendant shaped like an open eye gleams.
Her hair is a cascade of long, perfect black waves, falling over her shoulders like spilled ink and partially covering the right side of her face. Her gaze is serene, almost impassive, and on her face one can see high cheekbones and lips painted a dark red that contrasts with the whiteness of her skin, the same ones that curve into a slight but soft smile.
However, what is most interesting to Salieri are her eyes. They are amber. Not golden, nor light brown… but pure amber, like ancient resin trapping light within itself, or even like those of a black-furred cat patiently watching as its prey approaches its territory. They shine with a deep, almost supernatural intelligence, and there is something in them that makes Salieri feel, for the first time since she entered that shop, that she had been evaluated, even when those very eyes are focusing on no one at this moment.
—Well, well~. But look who finally deigned to show up here–
Then the woman, now leaning back against the reception desk, her hands touching it, upon seeing a certain person appear in her field of vision—a certain woman with straight blonde hair, one meter seventy-five in height, white skin and green-blue eyes—cannot help letting out a small giggle and speaking with a clearly mocking tone.
—A week, or more I think, without a single update from you. You sure do love me a lot, enough not to tell me anything, not even a simple message on ZeliX, isn't that right, vixen? –she asks, tilting her head while sketching a biting smile–
—Hello, cat –Arisa does not flinch at this tone. She simply smiles shamelessly, almost as if receiving the nickname "vixen" were a trophy– Or should I call you homewrecker cat? –she adds, now also with a biting smile–
—The woman then frowns– Are you going to start again? I have already asked you for forgiveness many times –she adds while moving behind the reception– It was just a small mistake, you know?–
—A small mistake? –Arisa asks with a threatening tone, while her brow begins to twitch with anger– You slept with my Fiancé, just a few hours before I was going to marry him–
—Ugh, already –the girl rolls her eyes in annoyance– That was five years ago. Get over it already –Then a little laugh escapes her mouth– Besides, I did you a favor. Your Fiancé, that one who looked like an innocent human who wouldn't break a plate, turned out to be part of a Sect that worships a Dark Lesser God. They were planning to sacrifice you, did you know? On top of that, you could see from a mile away that he was an unfaithful bastard. And boy, was he. I only offered myself to him; I did not threaten him with a gun. He was the one who accepted gladly –she adds with an expression of superiority– So you should thank me for that. I saved you a lot of headaches when you would have gone through the divorce, and even more considering that guy had money–
—But that did not give you the right to do that –Arisa cannot help striking the reception table a little, while her voice turns tight– You could have shown me proof of everything he had done. But you didn't. Instead, you had to do that filth–
—Oh, come on. You already know how I am –a defiant smile shows on the Antiquarian's face– I am a cat who loves learning new things and experimenting with everything there is. And that also includes sex, whether with an unfaithful bastard, or with someone normal who simply wants to pass the time. After all, you know well that we, Misakirte and Fuchsgenheit, are not affected by STDs thanks to the biology of our races. So why limit myself?–
—You –Arisa now frowns–
—Ahem–
Seeing the argument between both women, Salieri cannot help clearing her throat to call their attention. After all, this conversation was going down other paths.
—Oh. And who is this beautiful woman? –the Antiquarian asks at once, turning her gaze toward Salieri. However, given the shadows of the place, she cannot see her appearance clearly. She simply notices by the hourglass figure that the woman is someone attractive.– Oh, wait, don't tell me, don't tell me. Let me guess –Then she sketches a mischievous smile and turns her gaze back to Arisa– Is she your girlfriend, by any chance? Have you already swung that way? It seems that after that failed wedding, men disappointed you so much that you switched sides, isn't that right, heh, heh –she adds, almost letting out a strong mocking giggle– Still, it's funny, you know? When it comes to a beautiful human woman you have no qualms about going after her. Ah, but when it comes to me, every time I also want a little affection from you, that's when you come out with your "yuck, get away, dirty cat" while pulling out your spray bottle to squirt water at me. How hypocritical–
—She is not my girlfriend. –Arisa brings her hand to her forehead and begins to rub it– She is a Detective. She works in the Homicide Unit of the National Police–
—Hoh? –Upon hearing this, the Antiquarian's expression changes slightly– What is a Detective from the Great City doing in this little hole of mine? –she asks, her tone denoting amusement– You don't usually see PoNal agents around these parts. And even more if we consider that the Capital, Centralia, is three days from here, the City of Melbury–
—I am investigating a situation with an incident that happened this morning –Salieri says, her serious voice resonating in the place–
—Come closer, darling –the Antiquarian, unable to see her clearly, makes a gesture with her finger– I am not going to eat you. I am only a little black kitty. I couldn't take a strong human –a new mischievous smile sketches on her face– Although of course, I could "eat" you, heh, heh. After all, even though I don't see you clearly I can tell you are a beauty. I don't turn my nose up at any meal like the vixen who brought you, you know?–
—Kat, stop –Arisa this time uses a serious tone–
—Why? –the woman turns her gaze toward Arisa, and sketches a sad expression, like a cat in the rain– Are you jealous, perhaps? –Once more her mocking smile appears on her– You don't let me taste your exquisite body whenever I want, but you also don't let me do it with others when I am frustrated. Don't you think that is very hypocritical of you? And even more if we consider that you are also a Law Agent. That is not so impartial of you, you know?–
—Kat, enough –Arisa does not flinch at the constant mockery of the black-haired woman in front of her. In fact, she finds it amusing. And even more remembering who the Detective she brought with her is– I am warning you, she is not someone you can handle like the others. If she gets angry, considering her position, as well as the "person" behind her who protects her, I doubt your "Imperial Protection" can help you–
—Hoh? –This time the Antiquarian raises an eyebrow, intrigued by such words– Interesting. That makes me want to see you even more –Once more, she looks at Salieri in the shadows– Come on, my darling, come closer so mommy can see you–
Arisa turns her gaze toward the Detective, smiling with weariness toward the Antiquarian, and apology toward her Superior. For her part, Salieri also looks at the Agent. And then, when their two gazes meet, both sketch a smile of complicity.
And then Salieri takes a step forward and begins walking toward the blonde-haired woman and the black-haired one, thus finally leaving the shadows that had hidden her before.
—All right –Salieri says, now sketching a malicious smile, but without real malice– Here I am–
And when the Antiquarian sees the other person step out of the shadows and approach, the woman Arisa had brought, her smile slowly erases, giving way to an indescribable horror. It was as if she had seen a ghost, or worse, an indescribable being of apocalyptic proportions. After all, Salieri was not someone ordinary. She, basically, except for the Crown, could bring anyone down no matter their status, with a simple call.
—Si, silver-white hair…? Sc, scarlet-colored eyes? Sk, skin slightly whiter than a human should have? –the black-haired woman murmurs nervously, while her horrified gaze runs over Salieri. Even inside her mind she also mentions "D-Cup Breasts."–
—A pleasure –Salieri, seeing how the Antiquarian's expression changed, cannot help laughing inside– My name is Salieri Montenegro Neiruk. As Arisa said, I am a Detective in the Homicide Unit of the National Police–
—He, hello –Then the Antiquarian lets out a nervous giggle, while at the same time swallowing. After that, she quickly turns to look at Arisa, who was clearly mocking her– Vixen! –she exclaims, her teeth clenched–
—Let the record show I warned you –Arisa lets out an amused giggle, seeing her colleague's loss and horror–
After that, nervously, the Antiquarian turns her head, in a rigid, almost mechanical way, to look at the Detective in front of her.
—A, a pleasure, Lady Montenegro –she says. Then she brings her hand to her C-cup chest and lowers her head, making a 30-degree bow– Katerina Monterreal Rusein greets Your Highness, the Heiress of the Montenegro Family, one of the 7 Founding Families of our country–
—Salieri, upon hearing this, puts on a face of annoyance– Drop that. It bothers me when they do something like that. –she adds, her tone now full of weariness– The Central Republic has no Nobles. The only ones are His Majesty, Emperor Lan, and Her Majesty, Empress Eleanor, who are the supreme rulers of this country. The rest, like me and the members of the other 6 Founding Families, Castillo, Cervantes, Medici, Lafayette, Rockefeller and Vega, as well as those who hold political power, like the Presidents, Governors, Mayors, etc, are simple normal people without a Noble title. So it is not necessary for you to make such a gesture–
—U-understood, Your Highness –the Antiquarian replies nervously–
Arisa, seeing that Salieri was rolling her eyes again out of frustration, quickly intervenes.
—We, well, technically this already is an introduction, so, Detective, why don't you go back to the car and start getting ready to bring the greatsword? –she says, while shooting a withering look at the black-haired girl for her behavior– I have something to talk about with Katerina, and along the way I will also inform her of the reason we came to this place. Once I finish, I will send you a message on ZeliX so you can come back with the weapon–
—Salieri, seeing that both women clearly had something to talk about, nods– All right, Agent. I will be waiting in the truck–
—Excellent–
After that, Salieri turns halfway and begins walking the way she came toward the exit, leaving behind an Arisa angry with Katerina, and a nervous Katerina.